When the 5th district sent me to Washington, I knew my number one responsibility was job creation and economic development. So I went to those who work every day on the ground to create jobs: the elected leaders and economic developers in every locality across the Fifth District. What I heard was that there are no quick fixes to our economic challenges. Quick fixes don’t produce the sustained job growth we need.

Today, the American people are facing one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. Our economy remains sluggish, people fear losing their jobs and their homes, and many are worried about the future their children and grandchildren will inherit. They are deeply concerned about the outlook for our great country and wonder if their children will grow up in the same America they did. People are looking for real solutions to the problems we face.

Now that mid-term elections are over (results not available before my deadline), it’s clear what will be the next obsession of politicians and their observers as the tiny remains of this year soon become 2011.

Next up: the race for president in 2012. For those who will seek the office, 2011 will be the year to get their campaigns off the ground.